WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Mike Michaud is praising a new proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants by 30 percent over the next 15 years. The proposals would not only address global warming, but also stand to benefit Maine's economy.

"The EPA's plan will allow states like Maine to build on the strong work we've already been doing to reduce carbon dioxide emissions," said Michaud. "Over the last 9 years, emissions from power plants in the nine states participating in the northeast Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative have dropped by more than 40 percent. That is a very important step forward, and this proposal -- when taken with Maine's cutting-edge clean energy initiatives -- positions Maine to be a leader in the clean energy sector. That means more jobs, lower utility bills and cleaner air for all Mainers."

Michaud is a long-time supporter of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is a cooperative, market-based regulatory program that aims to cap and reduce carbon emissions from the power sector. States participating in RGGI include Maine, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

"Reducing our carbon footprint isn't just beneficial to Maine's overall population health, it's an important step toward reducing our overall costs and strengthening our clean energy initiatives," added Michaud. "I'm proud of the work underway in Maine to ensure our state can be a leader in producing clean energy. Tackling carbon pollution and focusing on the development of clean energy is how we secure our future. It's the responsible thing to do, and it's what will protect Maine's precious resources for generations to come."

The EPA estimates its Clean Power Plan will reduce carbon emissions from the power sector by 30 percent nationwide below the 2005 levels by 2030; reduce electricity bills by approximately 8 percent; and avoid up to 150,000 asthma attacks in children, and up to 490,000 missed work or school days -- equaling about $93 billion in public health and environmental benefits.